Easy Pineapple Quilt Block Pincushion Tutorial

Do you want to make a cute pincushion? Check out this blog tutorial! It’s super easy and a great way to use extra fabric scraps or stuffing. We totally dig the Pineapple Quilt Block for this project, but any 4″ finished quilt block will work. Plus, it has a super simple envelope back that eliminates the need for hand-stitching. I’ll walk you through every step of this easy-to-make pincushion. Let’s grab our supplies and get started!

Pincushion Supplies

Aside from your usual sewing supplies, you’ll need:

1. One quilt block made from 4″ Pineapple Quilt Block Foundation Paper by It’s Sew Emma (or any 4.5″ square quilt block)
2. Two 4.5″ x 6″ fabric rectangles (I used Bee Cross Stitch by Lori Holt for Riley Blake Designs in the color Pewter)
3. A 5.5″ square batting scrap
4. Poly-fil Stuffing
5. Wonder Clips

Make the Top

1. Follow the instructions on the paper pad, and don’t forget to remove the paper from the back of the block when you’re finished. You’ll have a 4.5″ square quilt block. For an in-depth pineapple block tutorial, check out this post with step-by-step photos and a video.

Here’s a super easy way to remove the paper from a foundation paper-pieced block. This little Foundation Piecing Water Pen has found a new home in my sewing room. First, you fill the pen with water. Then run the felt tip of the pen over the stitching lines on the paper. Let the water sit and soften for about 30 seconds, then tear off the paper. It lifts off so easily!

The water pen is refillable, and it comes with some handy tweezers or as a set of two pens. Once the paper’s been removed, the block is ready for quilting.

2. Quilting the block gives the pincushion some structure. Place the quilt block on a piece of 5.5″ square batting. That leaves a half-inch extra batting on all four sides.

3. Quilt it as desired. For this step, I changed my presser foot to a walking foot and used a longer stitch length of 2.4. I quilted diagonal lines on a few, and parallel lines on the others.

4. After quilting, trim the excess batting from the block, and you’ll have a 4.5″ square again.

Make an Envelope Back

5. Fold your 4.5″ x 6″ fabric rectangles in half so they measure 4.5″ x 3″. Then press with an iron to set the fold.

6. Place both folded pieces on the right side of the quilted block with the folded edges overlapping. Line up the raw edges of the fabric pieces with the raw edges of the quilt block.

7. Secure the layers for sewing with Wonder Clips or pins.

8. With a walking foot and a stitch length around 2.4, sew around all four sides of the square a quarter-inch from the edge. Overlap or backstitch your beginning and ending stitches for durability.

9. Clip the corners to reduce bulk and turn it right side out. You can use a pointed object to gently poke the corners.

10. Press it with an iron to release wrinkles. Add stuffing and put your new pinnie to use!

Sew Pin-able!

I hope you’ll join us on Pinterest and give us a follow for more sewing inspiration! All of the images on this post can be re-pinned by hovering over the image and clicking on the red Pinterest button that appears in the upper left corner. Be sure to save the Pineapple Pincushion to share with your friends or save for later!

Share with #PineapplePincushion

The Pineapple Pincushion will look great in your sewing room and it’s a sweet gift to give your quilty friends! If you make a #PineapplePincushion (or two or three!) please tag us (@fatquartershop) so we can see and share your work!

Are you in the mood for more pincushions? Check out these free tutorials for Cross Stitch Pillows and Pinwheel Pincushions.

Happy Quilting!

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